Risk Factors for Gout

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop gout with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing gout. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

High levels of uric acid in the blood is the main risk factor for gout.

Gout is more common in men over 30 years old, and usually doesn't usually affect women until after menopause. The risk for gout is increased if other family members have gout.

Other factors that may increase your chance of gout include:

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of gout include:

Obesity—poor eating habits can lead to an increase of uric acid in the blood

Eating a diet high in foods with purines, such as seafood, shellfish, or red meat

Excess intake of alcohol

Drinking high-fructose beverages, such as sugar-sweetened sodas and orange juice

Medical Conditions

Serious illness, such as a
heart attack
or
stroke, can trigger a gout attack. Other illnesses that may increase the risk for developing gout include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Gout. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases%5FAnd%5FConditions/Gout. Updated September 2012. Accessed December 5, 2014.

Gout. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Gout/gout%5Fff.asp. Updated July 2010. Accessed December 5, 2014.